Saturday, August 2, 2025, will remain engraved in the memory of Christ the King Parish of Tsinga, which warmly welcomed the celebration of the perpetual vows of two young women: Sisters Pauline Engoué and Elisabeth Raymonde Mbele.
The ceremony began with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Gabriel Xavier Mintsa Ndo, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé and parish priest of Christ the King Parish in Tsinga. The prior of the Saint Dominic Convent in Yaoundé, Brother Etienne Mbas, was the main preacher of the Mass. In his homily, he expressed gratitude to all who, by the grace of God, accompanied the two sisters on their vocational journey. He stated that choosing the religious life in no way constitutes a loss compared to the vocation to marriage, but rather a specific and uplifting calling. The preacher then recalled the spiritual heritage left by Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order: the constant pursuit of the Word of God through its reception, study, contemplation, and especially its sharing, which constitutes holy preaching. This charism, handed down by Saint Francis Coll to the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata, is manifested in their commitment to serving the health of both soul and body of the poorest through education and healthcare assistance. Brother Etienne finally emphasized the importance of joy, a true witness that the world urgently needs.
The ceremony was also marked by a deeply emotional moment at the beginning of the Mass, when the parents of Sisters Pauline and Raymonde came forward to give their blessing. Then, before the faithful from their home parishes and those of Tsinga, as well as members of various congregations of the Dominican family in Cameroon, the sisters pronounced their perpetual vows. These definitive commitments were received by Reverend Sister Ana Belén Verísimo García, Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of the Anunciata.
The celebration was enriched by the presence of the Fathers of the Order of Mercy and representatives of other religious institutes, a sign of fraternity. At the end of the Mass, joy continued to radiate during the convivial sharing, an opportunity for all to unite in celebration and gratitude. The festive afternoon program featured choreographies and sketches, bringing a vibrant cultural note to this celebration of the total gift of life that these two young women offer to the congregation. In a warm interview given on this occasion, Sisters Pauline Engoue and Elisabeth Raymonde Mbele expressed their deep joy at having responded positively to Christ’s call and fully committing themselves to the Dominican life. Their testimony recalls the beauty and strength of consecration lived in faith, fraternal communion, and charity.
Sr. Regina Emeline ABITAN
